3D printing is a type of printing technique that is capable of manufacturing 3D solid objects based on a digital file that is created using computer assisted design. The final solid object is created using additive processes by laying down successive layers of materials till completion. Each layer is considered to be a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual product or object. 3D printing is a type of manufacturing used to build layers to form a solid 3D object based on a digital model. The technology uses computer-aided design to make the digital model. The digital model is dissected into multiple cross-sections known as layers. The printer starts at the bottom and builds up from there, layer by layer until the entire design is complete to give the desired object.

Technavio’s analysts forecast the global 3D printers market to grow at a CAGR of 35.08% during the period 2017-2021.

Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global 3D printers market for 2017-2021. To determine the market size, the report covers the shipment of 3D printers worldwide to the OEMs.

The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

Americas

APAC

EMEA

Technavio's report, Global 3D Printers Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of operating in this market.

Key vendors

3D Systems

EnvisionTEC

ExOne

Stratasys

Other prominent vendors

EOS

Matsuura Machinery

Shaanxi Hengtong Intelligent Machine

Ultimaker

voxeljet

Wuhan Binhu Mechanical & Electrical

Market driver

Increasing popularity of additive manufacturing techniques.

For a full, detailed list, view our report

Market challenge

Intellectual property rights and legal disputes.

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Market trend

Declining demand among entrepreneurs and consumers.

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Key questions answered in this report

What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key market trends?

What is driving this market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are in this market space?

What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors??

Commenting on the report, an analyst from Technavio’s team said: “One trend in market is growing use of bioprinting by the healthcare sector. The capability of 3D printers to produce complex physical objects has led to the use of the technology for bioprinting. Bioprinting is the production of human organs using real human cells to develop functional human tissue. Advances in 3D technology have made this possible, thereby benefitting a large number of patients as well as doctors. The aim is to develop human organs as well as body parts to be used as transplants. Growing changes in lifestyle and habits have resulted in a large section of the population facing numerous health issues. This has led to a rise in the number of patients who require organ transplants. The lack of organ availability and matching donors is posing a serious problem for patients. 3D printing has brought about a new industrial revolution in the healthcare sector as exact replicas of the patient's organ can now be developed.”

According to the report, one driver in market is increasing popularity of additive manufacturing techniques. As 3D printing is convenient for small businesses and consumers with limited technical knowledge, its popularity has increased significantly in recent years. Additive manufacturing has been made possible through a well-developed and still rapidly evolving range of CAD programs. It is being used in many industries and sectors, including automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial and commercial, medical, government, construction, and education. The benefit of 3D printers to print anything from the provided model data enables manufacturers to produce products immediately after they receive an order. In addition, additive manufacturing techniques eliminate the need to construct complex assembly lines before production. Factories using this technology require fewer workers and materials, which reduces the production costs.

Further, the report states that one challenge in market is intellectual property rights and legal disputes. A major issue affecting the growth of 3D printing technology is the protection of intellectual property rights. New product development is subject to patent or legal issues. The primary concern with 3D printers is that they can enable individuals to purposely or unintentionally make items that break copyrights. For instance, in 2013, Fernando Sosa, a designer, created an iPhone dock inspired by the popular HBO show "Game of Thrones." The dock became a top seller on his website. However, HBO prevented him from selling it as it infringed HBO's copyright on the iron throne. Fernando Sosa had to stop sales on his website and refund customers who had pre-ordered. Thus, designers could face copyright and legal issues for using the consumer version of a 3D printer, which is hampering the growth of the market. In addition, consumers are 3D printing guns and firearms, which are extremely dangerous. In addition, guns made from plastic can go undetected through metal detectors, which makes them a security threat. Hence, some countries such as Israel are trying to pass a bill to ban such 3D printed guns.